Les Blés de Chanel

The fashion label, Chanel, recently made its way to Napa Valley to introduce their new haute jewelry collection, Les Blés de Chanel. The intimate gathering, which was invite-only, took place at the gorgeous Auberge du Soleil, and brought together some of the wealthiest tastemakers from San Francisco and Napa Valley for the private event. Dinner from the resort’s Michelin Star restaurant was served to guests while they took in 33 acres of pristine hillside vineyard views. Crisp white wines were the pour of the evening – perfect on the warm spring afternoon.

The beautiful event featured fresh flowers, candle lanterns and gold wheat embellishments – a nod to the jewelry presented. With a backdrop of Napa Valley’s beautiful sunset, Chanel’s glamorous 62-piece collection immediately stole the show. Guests were invited to tour the wheat-inspired collection, which also happens to be an acknowledgement to Coco’s childhood in Auvergne, France – the region is known for its wheat fields, and her August birthday coincides with harvest season.

Event attendees tried on their favorite styles, and some took pieces home with them ranging from $100,000 to $1,000,000. Statement treasures, such as the Fête des Moissons, was among the most impressive. The necklace itself is anchored by an octagonal 25-carat yellow diamond, and features a total of approximately 120 carats – just gorgeous. The Brins de Printemps and the Epi d’Ete necklaces were also head turners. From aquamarines and peridots to colored diamonds and sapphires, truly spectacular.

The event was a memorable one. With breathtaking views, delicious food and wine, and of course – the variety of stunning jewelry, it was quite the experience – mostly because haute fashion shows and presentations typically take place in the fashion capital of the world, Paris, but we got a little taste of it right here in Napa Valley.

To learn more about the collection and view some of the precious styles, click here.

       g”>g”>      


Corto Olive Oil Planting – Lodi

One of the things I love most about photographing for the wine industry is that I get behind-the-scenes access to every stage of the winemaking process. From the sunrise plantings to midnight harvests to the crushing process… all the way through to capturing people as they enjoy the finished product with good friends and family. Seeing the hard work and dedication that goes into each bottle of wine is truly what fulfills me in my profession and fuels me to not only continue doing what I love but supporting that by being an avid consumer myself.

Olive oil might just be the next big plant-based product offering the same experiences and sensory pleasures as wine. Therefore, having an opportunity to photograph Corto’s sapling planting was truly an honor and great insight into another aspect of the agricultural industry that I had not witnessed before.

Olive trees are typically planted in the fall, which gets them settled in the soil and usually results in the best growth spurt the following spring. Our day began in Lodi before the crack of dawn, so the fragile saplings could be planted well before the sun’s heat had a chance to touch them. Fast forward to mid-morning, when skies were clear, the sun was high and many of the young olive trees were already getting acquainted with their new home.

I loved shooting for Corto and am excited to say that I just returned from Colorado where I photographed for them once again. See below some of my favorite snaps from this shoot, and stay tuned for further photos from Denver that will be up on the blog soon!


The Symposium for Wine Writers Napa Valley

In my previous blog post, I had mentioned that the week of Napa Valley Premiere is one of the most exciting times to be in the valley. The buzz and elegance of the event is unmatchable, but what truly excites me is to see the valley come alive with some of the most influential people in the wine trade from around the world.

Among these are always a truly talented group of about 75 wine writers, critics, columnists, bloggers and other editorial wine content creators, who have been invited to the exclusive Symposium for Professional Wine Writers at Meadowood Napa Valley. This non-profit symposium was founded by Napa Valley Vintners in conjunction with Meadowood, and supported by The Culinary Institute of America (CIA) and helps attendees polish their writing voices, increasing their brand value as writers ans elevating their wine knowledge with themes prevalent in contemporary wine writing and networking with their peers. A combination of lectures, panel discussions, group and individual writing sessions, wine tasting and fine dining make the Symposium an unparalleled career enrichment opportunity for editorial wine, wine-food and wine-travel writers.

I have been fortunate enough to photograph this annual event on a number of occasions, but 2017’s lineup of presenters was truly one for the books. Keynote speaker Kevin Zraly was among a robust faculty of writers, editors and coaches including Richard Bradley (Editor-in-chief, Worth Magazine), Evan Goldstein (MS and author), Jim Gordon (Editor, Wines & Vines), Paul Gregutt (Contributing Editor, Wine Enthusiast), Dianne Jacob (Writing Coach, author, freelance, editor), Chris Macias (Critic-at-large; The Sacramento Bee), Meredith May (Owner, The SOMM Journal and Co-founder: The Tasting Panel and The Clever Root), Madeline Puckette (co-founder and content director of Wine Folly), Leslie Sbrocco, author, speaker, consultant, television host; Julia Cosgrove, vice president and editor-in-chief, AFAR; Esther Mobley, wine, beer and spirits writer, San Francisco Chronicle; Michael Shapiro, journalism professor, founder of The Big Roundtable; and Chris Knutsen, executive editor, Wall Street Journal Magazine NVV and Meadowood, thank you for allowing me the opportunity to help illustrate this incredible event once again!  


Napa Valley Vintners & Michelin Guide 2016 Dinner

As a commercial photographer with a focus on food and wine in Napa and Sonoma, my work allows me to capture some of the best cuisine and vino the area has to offer. And what could be better than working with The Napa Valley VintnersThomas Keller and Bouchon Bistro in Yountville? After the successful opening of The French Laundry in 1998, Keller opened this French bistro in 2002, and it has become a world-renowned eatery. There is a symbiotic relationship between the wine and cuisine in Napa. Each one elevates the other, and the relationship relies on the success of each other. This partnership was celebrated when The Michelin Guide hosted a dinner for the Napa Valley Vintners prior to their 2016 Summit at Chef Keller’s iconic bistro, and I was there to photograph the event.  For a food and wine lover like myself, this was a great honor.  I wish you could have been there to feel the energy in the room and to experience the smells emanating from the kitchen. Chef Keller and his staff were extremely gracious and hospitable. This is a night I’ll never forget, and as 2016 comes to a close, it’s an assignment I’m extremely proud of and humbled by.

napa_food_wine_event_photographer_bouchon-1 napa_food_wine_event_photographer_bouchon-2 napa_food_wine_event_photographer_bouchon-4 napa_food_wine_event_photographer_bouchon-5 napa_food_wine_event_photographer_bouchon-6 napa_food_wine_event_photographer_bouchon-8 napa_food_wine_event_photographer_bouchon-9napa_food_wine_event_photographer_bouchon-11
napa_food_wine_event_photographer_bouchon-55napa_food_wine_event_photographer_bouchon-13napa_food_wine_event_photographer_bouchon-14napa_food_wine_event_photographer_bouchon-18napa_food_wine_event_photographer_bouchon-19napa_food_wine_event_photographer_bouchon-20napa_food_wine_event_photographer_bouchon-23 napa_food_wine_event_photographer_bouchon-24 napa_food_wine_event_photographer_bouchon-25 napa_food_wine_event_photographer_bouchon-26 napa_food_wine_event_photographer_bouchon-28 napa_food_wine_event_photographer_bouchon-29 napa_food_wine_event_photographer_bouchon-30napa_food_wine_event_photographer_bouchon-31napa_food_wine_event_photographer_bouchon-33napa_food_wine_event_photographer_bouchon-34napa_food_wine_event_photographer_bouchon-35napa_food_wine_event_photographer_bouchon-36napa_food_wine_event_photographer_bouchon-37napa_food_wine_event_photographer_bouchon-38napa_food_wine_event_photographer_bouchon-39 napa_food_wine_event_photographer_bouchon-41 napa_food_wine_event_photographer_bouchon-42 napa_food_wine_event_photographer_bouchon-44 napa_food_wine_event_photographer_bouchon-45 napa_food_wine_event_photographer_bouchon-46napa_food_wine_event_photographer_bouchon-47napa_food_wine_event_photographer_bouchon-48napa_food_wine_event_photographer_bouchon-49napa_food_wine_event_photographer_bouchon-50napa_food_wine_event_photographer_bouchon-51napa_food_wine_event_photographer_bouchon-52napa_food_wine_event_photographer_bouchon-53

Save

Save


Landmark Vineyards – Open House

Landmark Vineyards in Sonoma invited me to photograph their recent open house for their marketing efforts and I had a great time! When the day came there was a chill in the air, but the atmosphere was warm and welcoming. Guests in attendance had the opportunity to taste a variety of wines accompanied by delicious cuisine.  I love Landmark’s labels. They have a luxurious texture and simplicity that made it easy to stage the bottles in unique situations. I used the native flowers on the property to showcase the bottles, and I’m so happy with the results. The rich colors of yellow flowers, purple lavendar and the green grass were a stunning contrast for the bottles.

You’ve noticed that we’ve been doing more experiential marketing photography lately. This combination of staged photography mixed with a live event is becoming very popular here in wine country, and I’m enjoying the medium. I love the everything about Northern California lifestyle, fine food and wine. I’m truly a blessed man to do what I love in the place I love.

Sonoma_Wine_and_Food_Photographer_Alexander_Rubin Sonoma_Wine_and_Food_Photographer_Alexander_Rubin Sonoma_Wine_and_Food_Photographer_Alexander_Rubin Sonoma_Wine_and_Food_Photographer_Alexander_Rubin Sonoma_Wine_and_Food_Photographer_Alexander_Rubin Sonoma_Wine_and_Food_Photographer_Alexander_Rubin Sonoma_Wine_and_Food_Photographer_Alexander_Rubin Sonoma_Wine_and_Food_Photographer_Alexander_Rubin Sonoma_Wine_and_Food_Photographer_Alexander_Rubin Sonoma_Wine_and_Food_Photographer_Alexander_Rubin Sonoma_Wine_and_Food_Photographer_Alexander_Rubin Sonoma_Wine_and_Food_Photographer_Alexander_Rubin Sonoma_Wine_and_Food_Photographer_Alexander_Rubin Sonoma_Wine_and_Food_Photographer_Alexander_Rubin Sonoma_Wine_and_Food_Photographer_Alexander_Rubin Sonoma_Wine_and_Food_Photographer_Alexander_Rubin Sonoma_Wine_and_Food_Photographer_Alexander_Rubin Sonoma_Wine_and_Food_Photographer_Alexander_Rubin  Sonoma_Wine_and_Food_Photographer_Alexander_Rubin Sonoma_Wine_and_Food_Photographer_Alexander_Rubin Sonoma_Wine_and_Food_Photographer_Alexander_Rubin Sonoma_Wine_and_Food_Photographer_Alexander_Rubin Sonoma_Wine_and_Food_Photographer_Alexander_Rubin


The SOMM Journal | October 2014

​Last month, I​ had the fortune to shoot at the esteemed Jardiniere Restaurant, home to culinary legend Traci Des Jardins​​​, f​or ​the upcoming edition of ​The SOMM Journal.  ​The article features ​Jennifer Gomez​,​ the ​Wi​ne ​D​irector for San Francisco’s Jardiniere restaurant and Graham’s Six Grapes Old Vine Special Edition​.​

Napa Wine Magazine and Advertising Photographer for Somm Journal 1Napa Wine Magazine and Advertising Photographer for Somm Journal 2Napa Wine Magazine and Advertising Photographer for Somm Journal3


Oprah and Starbucks

I had an amazing time shooting the Teavana campaign for Starbucks and Oprah Winfrey in Seattle.  At the end of 2013 , Starbucks and Oprah announced a joint venture to co-create Teavana Oprah Chai Tea.  I photographed Oprah as she developed the tea with Teavana’s leading teaologist , Naoko Tsunoda.   It was inspiring to watch!   The images were shot in a very natural and organic style.  Oprah was  incredibly down to earth.  I feel very fortunate to have worked with such an inspiring woman.   This shoot was one of the highlight of my career thus far.  Take a look at Teavana’s website, and look at some of my favorite images below.

Napa Celebrity Photographer shooting Oprah by Rubin Photography_0006Napa Commertial and Celebrity Photographer By Rubin Photography_0055Napa Commertial and Celebrity Photographer By Rubin Photography_0058Napa Celebrity Photographer shooting Oprah by Rubin Photography_0007Napa Commertial and Celebrity Photographer By Rubin Photography_0059Napa Commertial and Celebrity Photographer By Rubin Photography_0055-3Napa Celebrity Photographer shooting Oprah by Rubin Photography_0013Napa Celebrity Photographer shooting Oprah by Rubin Photography_0010Napa Celebrity Photographer shooting Oprah by Rubin Photography_0011Napa Celebrity Photographer shooting Oprah by Rubin Photography_0014Napa Celebrity Photographer shooting Oprah by Rubin Photography_0022Napa Celebrity Photographer shooting Oprah by Rubin Photography_0008Napa Celebrity Photographer shooting Oprah by Rubin Photography_0009Napa Celebrity Photographer shooting Oprah by Rubin Photography_0002Napa Celebrity Photographer shooting Oprah by Rubin Photography_0003Napa Celebrity Photographer shooting Oprah by Rubin Photography_0004Napa Celebrity Photographer shooting Oprah by Rubin Photography_0005Napa Celebrity Photographer shooting Oprah by Rubin Photography_0025Napa Celebrity Photographer shooting Oprah by Rubin Photography_0026Napa Commercial Photography of Oprah By Rubin Photography_0001Napa Celebrity Photographer shooting Oprah by Rubin Photography_0028Napa Celebrity Photographer shooting Oprah by Rubin Photography_0029Napa Celebrity Photographer shooting Oprah by Rubin Photography_0030Napa Celebrity Photographer shooting Oprah by Rubin Photography_0032Napa Celebrity Photographer shooting Oprah by Rubin Photography_0034Napa Commercial Photography of Oprah By Rubin Photography_0001-2Napa Celebrity Photographer shooting Oprah by Rubin Photography_0037Napa Celebrity Photographer shooting Oprah by Rubin Photography_0038Napa Celebrity Photographer shooting Oprah by Rubin Photography_0042Napa Celebrity Photographer shooting Oprah by Rubin Photography_0043Napa Celebrity Photographer shooting Oprah by Rubin Photography_0048


Raymond Vineyards | Release Party

I love photographing winery events in Napa and Sonoma.  A few weeks ago, I had the pleasure of photographing one of the most anticipated events of the year for Raymond Vineyards: The release of their 2010 Generations Cabernet Sauvignon.  It was an incredible event with delicious food, and of course, older vintages of Raymond’s flagship wine, Generations Cabernet Sauvignon.

Napa Event Photographer Shooting ar Raymond Winery in St Helena (29) Napa Event Photographer Shooting ar Raymond Winery in St Helena (28) Napa Event Photographer Shooting ar Raymond Winery in St Helena (27) Napa Event Photographer Shooting ar Raymond Winery in St Helena (26) Napa Event Photographer Shooting ar Raymond Winery in St Helena (25) Napa Event Photographer Shooting ar Raymond Winery in St Helena (24) Napa Event Photographer Shooting ar Raymond Winery in St Helena (23) Napa Event Photographer Shooting ar Raymond Winery in St Helena (22) Napa Event Photographer Shooting ar Raymond Winery in St Helena (21) Napa Event Photographer Shooting ar Raymond Winery in St Helena (20) Napa Event Photographer Shooting ar Raymond Winery in St Helena (19) Napa Event Photographer Shooting ar Raymond Winery in St Helena (18) Napa Event Photographer Shooting ar Raymond Winery in St Helena (17) Napa Event Photographer Shooting ar Raymond Winery in St Helena (16) Napa Event Photographer Shooting ar Raymond Winery in St Helena (15) Napa Event Photographer Shooting ar Raymond Winery in St Helena (14) Napa Event Photographer Shooting ar Raymond Winery in St Helena (13) Napa Event Photographer Shooting ar Raymond Winery in St Helena (12) Napa Event Photographer Shooting ar Raymond Winery in St Helena (11) Napa Event Photographer Shooting ar Raymond Winery in St Helena (10) Napa Event Photographer Shooting ar Raymond Winery in St Helena (9) Napa Event Photographer Shooting ar Raymond Winery in St Helena (8) Napa Event Photographer Shooting ar Raymond Winery in St Helena (7) Napa Event Photographer Shooting ar Raymond Winery in St Helena (6) Napa Event Photographer Shooting ar Raymond Winery in St Helena (5) Napa Event Photographer Shooting ar Raymond Winery in St Helena (4) Napa Event Photographer Shooting ar Raymond Winery in St Helena (3) Napa Event Photographer Shooting ar Raymond Winery in St Helena (2) Napa Event Photographer Shooting ar Raymond Winery in St Helena (1)